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Meet Kennedy scion Maria Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ex: the former first lady of California is US presidential hopeful RFK Jr’s cousin, and a journalist who advocates for women’s rights
STORYGloria Fung
- Although she was born into political royalty as former US president JFK’s niece, Shriver carved a career in journalism instead – but she quit NBC when she joined her then-husband on the campaign trail
- She shares 4 children with Schwarzenegger and led the biggest Women’s Conference during her time as first lady of California … but what does she think of her cousin’s politics?
When Maria Shriver married Arnold Schwarzenegger, she became uniquely important among two of America’s most influential circles – politics and entertainment. Today, Shriver is once again in the headlines as her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr makes a bid for the US presidency as an independent candidate.
Shriver was born into American political royalty; her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was former president John F. Kennedy’s sister. Despite the dramatic end to JFK’s political career when he was assassinated while in office during a motorcade in Dallas in 1963, the family’s political ambitions continued.
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JFK’s brother, US Senator Robert F. Kennedy, made a move for the White House in 1968. However, he was shot and later died in Los Angeles following a win in the California primary during his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
But tragedy clouded the family even before JFK came into power. His brother, Joseph Kennedy, passed away on duty in the Navy in 1944. The so-called Kennedy curse affected the family beyond JFK’s generation, too – Shriver’s cousin, JFK Jr, and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, were tragically killed in a plane crash on their way to Martha’s Vineyard in 1998.
However, many Kennedy family members are still thriving today – with Maria Shriver being one of them. So what do we know about the 68-year-old?
Maria Shriver carved a career in journalism
Gloria Fung is a lifestyle journalist with bases in Hong Kong and Vancouver. Formerly the health and wellness editor for global media syndicate The Sporting News, she’s also an experienced editor specialising in luxury lifestyle, watches and jewellery. She also writes about beauty, travel, food and drink, pop culture and entertainment, for publications including the South China Morning Post, Tatler Hong Kong, Hashtag Legend, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
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